Adkins encouraged by Saints win

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins believes his side are finally adjusting to life in the Premier League after their 2-0 win over Newcastle.

Adam Lallana and Gaston Ramirez got themselves on the scoresheet to lead Southampton to their second successive win, a result which sees them climb out of the relegation zone.

And after a miserable start to the year, Adkins is delighted his side has been able to generate “forward momentum” in their first season in the Premier League since their relegation from the top flight in 2005.

“It was probably a better performance than last week,” Adkins said.

“There was a good momentum about us and we carried that on today. It was a good performance.

“We scored two, but could have scored some more. The crowd were great, the players were great and we got a clean sheet.

“We’ve been progressing all the way through. Last week I spoke about a growing maturity about the group of players and I think we’re progressing well.

“Our confidence has been good since the start of pre-season, but you’ve got to get yourself ready as quickly as possible to reach the level the Premier League is at.

“The players are doing that and doing that very well at this moment in time.

“We know we’re in the hardest, toughest and most desirable league to be in.

“We worked very hard to get here and we’ll continue to keep working hard. We have a forward momentum about ourselves.”

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is concerned with his side’s recent poor form, which has seen them fail to win in their last six games, with injuries not helping their plight.

“We’re worried, of course we’re worried, because we are Newcastle United and we’ve really got that dressing room to take into Wednesday night,” Pardew said.

“It’s not like we can add four or five players from the squad into that group.

“That is our group and they have been soundly beaten today and are going to another tough place.

“We have three days to try and lift the team to try and get ready for another tough game (against Stoke).”

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